PDSA Big Doggy Paddle 2019

PDSA Big Doggy Paddle 2019

Are you up to the challenge? Take the plunge for poorly pets on 28 September in Bristol and help raise money for PDSA!

Fancy being rescued by a powerful, fluffy lifesaver? We should also mention he has big ears and a tail! The PDSA Big Doggy Paddle, kindly supported by the Beaverbrook Foundation, gives you the chance to experience the power and grace of a Newfoundland dog. After jumping into the water, you'll be 'rescued' by one of these amazing dogs, who are all specially trained water rescue dogs.

This is definitely a 'bucket list' experience, with the added advantage of raising funds to help pets all over the country. All money raised goes towards PDSA's own lifesavers, our vets and vet nurses, to help them continue their vital work caring for the UK's most vulnerable pets.

Who are the water rescue dogs?

As well as raising funds to help the UK’s sick and injured pets, the PDSA Big Doggy Paddle showcases the remarkable Newfoundland dogs that rescue people from the water. You will witness 18 big, beautiful dogs leap from a boat on command and paddle hard to pull each participant from the water – demonstrating not only their special life-saving skills, but the devotion and amazing bond they share with humans.

Although Whizz sadly passed away, his legacy lives on through the current team of dogs that share the same fearless spirit and determination Whizz demonstrated during his lifetime. The 2019 PDSA Doggy Paddle will give you the opportunity to see them in action!

Take the plunge and raise money for our Bristol Pet Hospital

PDSA’s first Big Doggy Paddle took place in 2016 and got off to a wet and wild start! Twenty-five brave participants, including celebs and journalists, got wet to save poorly pets.

This year, our Big Doggy Paddle will be taking place in Portishead, North Somerset on 28 September. You’ll be taking the plunge in the beautiful Portishead Quay Marina and helping us to raise funds for Bristol PDSA so we can continue helping poorly pets across the area. All we ask is a £49 registration fee to secure your place.

By taking part, you’ll not only be helping us to raise much needed funds to help support the work done in our Bristol Pet Hospital, but you'll also be helping us continue to educate owners across the UK. This includes running our PetWise on Tour events, where our veterinary nurses give help and advice to pet owners across the country, not to mention our school’s programme where our community nurses help to educate children on owning pets.

Watch the PDSA Big Doggy Paddle in action:

Register your interest in PDSA's Big Doggy Paddle

ABOUT PDSA

Founded in 1917 by animal welfare pioneer, Maria Dickin CBE, PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity. Operating through a UK-wide network of 48 Pet Hospitals, PDSA provides low cost and free veterinary care to the sick and injured pets of people in need and promotes responsible pet ownership